Cream of tartar, scientifically known as potassium bitartrate, is a common ingredient found in many kitchens. Savvy chefs appreciate its versatility, extending beyond cooking and baking. As a byproduct of winemaking, this organic acid boasts a range of applications, from culinary creations to household solutions. Let's delve into the world of cream of tartar, exploring its benefits, uses, and safety considerations.
What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar-also known as potassium bitartrate or potassium acid tartrate-is the potassium acid salt of L-tartaric acid, which is naturally present in wine. Formed as a byproduct of winemaking, cream of tartar crystallizes and forms deposits at the bottom of wine casks during the fermentation process. It is a white, dry powder with a slightly acidic taste, often found in the spice aisle of grocery stores. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cream of tartar as generally recognized as safe, meaning it is considered safe when used as intended. Chemically, cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, has the molecular formula KC4H5O6.
Culinary Applications
Cream of tartar is a beloved staple for anyone who dabbles in making soufflés, meringues, jams, jellies, candies, and many baked goods. Bakers often use cream of tartar in baked goods by mixing it with egg whites to help create stiff peaks in meringue. This prevents the formation of sugar crystals. Here are some of its primary uses as a food additive:
- Anticaking agent: Prevents lumps caused by moisture in powdered or granulated ingredients.
- Antimicrobial agent: Prevents the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
- Leavening agent: Helps dough rise by releasing carbon dioxide from baking soda.
- Control agent for pH: Changes or maintains the pH level-the acidity or basicity-of a product.
- Stabilizer and thickener: Structures and thickens recipes and food products.
It is also used as an ingredient in frostings, gelatins, and puddings, hard and soft candies, and jams and jellies. Cream of tartar can be a substitute for anything from buttermilk to baking powder and lemon juice in your favorite recipes. It’s particularly helpful when dealing with a tricky recipe that tends to wilt, like meringue or a souffle.
Baking Powder Substitute
Baking powder is often made by combining baking soda with cream of tartar. Together, the two form little air bubbles that help make baked goods light and fluffy. If you’re following a recipe that calls for both baking soda and cream of tartar, you can substitute both ingredients for baking powder.
Read also: Quick Keto Sour Cream Dip
Sugar Crystal Control
Large, crunchy sugar crystals are the enemy of good candy. Adding cream of tartar helps keep the crystals small! It also stops sugar crystals from binding together by activating the alkaline in baking soda.
Meringues and Angel Food Cake
Add cream of tartar to make a super-smooth meringue! The rule of thumb is 1/8 teaspoon per egg white. The same science works when making a perfect angel food cake.
Household Cleaning Agent
Beyond the kitchen, cream of tartar serves as a versatile cleaning agent. Thanks to its metal-cleaning properties, cream of tartar is a great option for those who want to remove rust. Here are some popular uses:
- Appliance polish: Mix one part cream of tartar with four parts white vinegar to create a paste that will help polish stainless steel, aluminum, and silver appliances.
- Rust remover: Mix with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and let sit on rusty areas for an hour. Wipe clean. Mix it up with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then apply it to the affected metal. Allow it to soak for at least an hour, then wipe it with a damp cloth.
- Stain remover: Applying cream of tartar on a damp stain may help remove difficult stains before washing clothes. Just sprinkle some onto the new, damp stain, then launder the garment as usual. Speaking of stains, sometimes even the most well-bleached garments get a little yellow in spots. Fight this discoloration by spritzing the affected area with water. Then, apply powdered cream of tartar, rub it in, and allow it to soak.
- Aluminum pot cleaner: Cream of tartar mixed with vinegar makes an all-natural paste that's aces at breathing new life into old aluminum pots and pans. Scrub the pan and watch the caked-on food, grime, and other detritus disappear.
- Drain de-clogger: Combined with baking soda, salt, and boiling water, cream of tartar is a powerful drain de-clogger. The first two ingredients are pros at destroying materials that cause clogs, and the cream of tartar cleans up metal to an impressive shine.
- Ant deterrent: Simply drizzle a line of the white stuff in the area where you suspect the insects are gaining entry. They'll turn around automatically to avoid it. People don't like ants inside the home, but they also don't like harsh insecticides where they eat, sleep, and breathe.
Other Uses
In addition to its culinary and cleaning applications, cream of tartar has a few other surprising uses:
- Bath Bombs: DIY bath bombs are all the rage and show no sign of slowing down. Although you can make bath bombs with a variety of ingredients, including citric acid, cornstarch, baking powder, and more, cream of tartar is arguably the best at hardening them. By adding a small amount of cream of tartar to your bath salts, you can enhance their texture and make your skin feel silky smooth. It acts as a stabilizer and helps to create the fizzy reaction when the bath bomb is dropped into water.
- Biodegradable Plastics: Cream of tartar is also being explored in the world of environmentally friendly materials. According to a study featured by the American Chemical Society (ACS), adding cream of tartar can enhance the strength of biodegradable plastics. The study found that incorporating a small amount of cream of tartar into biodegradable polymers improved their mechanical properties, making them tougher and more durable. When used in biodegradable plastics, cream of tartar serves as a catalyst in the polymerization process.
Potential Health Benefits
Health food bloggers praise cream of tartar for its alleged health benefits. However, only a few of these claims are backed up by scientific evidence. Cream of tartar contains trace amounts of other minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. As the name potassium bitartrate implies, cream of tartar provides a relatively high amount of potassium and very few macronutrients. One teaspoon (3 grams) of cream of tartar contains:
Read also: Sweet and Savory Keto Cream Cheese
- Calories: 8
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Potassium: 11% of the daily value
Potassium is an essential mineral that the body needs to function. It is present in all body tissues. Most of cream of tartar’s health claims revolve around its potassium content. Here are some of the most popular claims and what science says about them:
- Relieves constipation: An older study determined that a 5-gram daily dose of cream of tartar may relieve constipation by softening stools and shortening intestinal transit time. Cream of tartar can have a laxative effect.
- Lowers blood pressure: Cream of tartar’s purported effect on blood pressure comes from its potassium content, which does help lower the risk of high blood pressure.
- Aids skin health: Many believe that cream of tartar’s antimicrobial effect helps treat acne when applied to the skin. Cream of tartar detoxifies and breaks down fat.
Other unsubstantiated claims about cream of tartar include its ability to: aid in weight loss, reduce urinary tract infections, and improve arthritis. Again, these claims lack any scientific proof.
Risks and Side Effects
Cream of tartar is typically consumed in small amounts. The risks and possible side effects of cream of tartar come from its potassium content. Because it works as a laxative, it can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of vital electrolytes. High intakes of cream of tartar may lead to hyperkalemia, or dangerously high blood potassium levels, due to its high potassium content.
Evidence shows that consuming high amounts of cream of tartar may cause abdominal discomfort, abnormal heart rate, and muscle weakness-all common symptoms of hyperkalemia. People with mild to moderate kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, heart failure, liver disease, or those taking medication to increase blood potassium levels have a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia. While excess potassium is typically released through urine, consuming large amounts of potassium may still lead to dangerously high blood potassium levels.
Precautions
- Kidney Issues: Use caution if you have kidney issues. It is advised against using cream of tartar, as the high potassium content can exacerbate certain conditions.
- Medications: If you take medications such as potassium supplements prescribed by your doctor or diuretics, you should avoid ingesting extra cream of tartar or other sources of potassium not naturally contained in the food you eat, according to MedLinePlus.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.
Read also: Ultimate Guide: Heavy Cream & Keto